How can I tell if the rear main crank seal is leaking?

I already have the pan off for a pan gasket replacement, and I don't want to replace the rear main if I don't have to. What are the tell-tale signs of a leaky rear main? The flywheel looks dry and it doesn't appear to be leaking, but that might be because I don't know what to look for.

 

pull the rear main cap and feel the seal.. if its soft and rubery its ok most likely.. but if its hard... its bad.. now... humm im this far.. gota pull cap only way to check the seal... be kinda well not to smert not to put a 8 dollar seal in.. its not hard to do... :} just my 2 cent.. just do it... :}

 

thanks for the reply, I just hate to replace it if it doesnt need it.. the motor has 107k on it

 

If it is a 1997, even with 100k, that seal is probably pritty dry, Id replace it either way if you already have the pan off. Make shure you put the new one in the right way! Dont want to have to do that two times.

 

As long as you have the pan off, replace the seal as 90% of the labor is already done and it is not very hard to replace. You don't want to put it all back together just to find out that you have to do it all over again in a month!

 

Here's a great write up on replacing the rear main seal.

http://www.dailydriventj.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=811

 

If I were in your place I'd replace it, as has already been suggested several times. You've already done the vast majority of the labor of R&Ring it at another date anyway, so it should be an easy decision. Buy two seals in case you damage the first one (if you've never done it before). JMO
Dan

 

alright, i guess i'll replace it.. figure I'd kill 3 bird at a time... rear main, pan gasket, and 3" RC, I had to order a oil pump gasket anyway and it won't be here until Tuesday... The 3" is giving me a little trouble because one of the shock bushings was siezed to the bolt and I bent the bracket trying to get it out.. looks like I'll gave to cut off the bushing and bolt and bend the bracket back.

 

put a new oil pump in it also..........